Date:27/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/27/stories/2008042760110600.htm

New Delhi

Survey demanded to declare Ramar Sethu ancient monument

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: The National Institute of Oceanography, in cooperation with the Archaeological Survey of India, should be asked to undertake an underwater survey to declare ‘Ramar Sethu’ an ancient monument.

A plea to this effect has been made by founder president of the Hindu Munnani, Rama Gopalan, in his rejoinder to the Centre’s stand in the Supreme Court that it was not feasible to consider an alignment other than the existing ‘Alignment No. 6’ for the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel project. Acting on an application by Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy, the court on August 31, 2007, had restrained the Centre and the Sethusamudram Corporation from causing any damage to Ramar Sethu/Adam’s Bridge, while permitting dredging to continue. Mr. Rama Gopalan, who too had filed a petition along with Dr. Swamy, in his rejoinder said: “This work [survey] must be undertaken by the Government of India and the State governments concerned. Till then Ramar Sethu must not be damaged but saved and protected.”